Ex-Raleigh Mayor Meeker weighs bid for N.C. governor

Former Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker says he is weighing a bid for North Carolina governor in 2016.

The Democrat, who served as Raleigh mayor from 2001 to 2011, told the News & Observer on Wednesday that he believes he is among a dozen Democrats with the background, contacts and potential to unseat Republican Gov. Pat McCrory. He said no serious decisions would be made until after the 2014 midterm elections.

Meeker is a lawyer who served eight years on the city council before he became mayor. He decided not to seek re-election as mayor in 2011.

Other Democrats are eyeing the race as well. Former state Rep. Ken Spaulding said he plans to run in 2016, and business consultant James Protzman of Chapel Hill has filed paperwork creating a gubernatorial campaign committee. Attorney General Roy Cooper has not ruled out a bid for governor.

Copyright 2013 by WCTI12. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.